CHARLES WELLS EAST MIDS CUP FINAL

Scouts travelled to Goldington Road last Wednesday evening to participate in their first Charles Wells East Midlands Cup Final against formidable opponents in Bedford Ath who had already beaten them twice in their race to the league title.
Forced into a late change at fly half Scouts took an early lead when replacement Paddy Connolly slotted a well struck penalty. Ath hit back and their strong running backs provided the opening for a try. The score went unconverted and Scouts hit back with a Connolly penalty and as Scouts pressure was forcing Ath to make errors Connolly scored his third of the evening.
A second unconverted try for Ath put them back in front and they added a penalty to increase their lead.
Scouts were still asking the questions and unfortunately missed penalties either side of half time.
Facing the slope in the second half Scouts continued to try and force a score but two errors when down to fourteen men following a harsh sin binning offence took its toll.
Ath picked up a loose ball as Scouts tried to run out of defence and quickly scored again when they intercepted on their own 22.
Scouts could have given up at this point but to their credit they continued to press in attack and with some excellent defending refused to let Ath score again.
It is a credit to the players for getting to this final for the first time and they proved to themselves that they can compete at this level.